The Thing To Acknowledge!

Sometimes people observing our life compliment us for the abilities or talents we might possess that can bring benefit to others. And though we don ’t want to boast about ourselves, hearing it from an unbiased observer we may feel it must be true -- we do have a lot to offer. If we hear such praise enough it may even begin to prompt a little boasting within ourselves, “Yes, that’s me. I am quite talented. Having a lot to offer, God must be pretty fortunate to have me as one of His servants.” It is encouraging to know our life has significance. We all ought to realize this and be willing to offer our abilities for the benefit of those around us. However, the danger we must guard against is focusing so much on ourselves that we forget the God who has blessed us for His purposes! When God is left out of the picture we can easily begin to use what we possess for what we think is best, rather than what we should UNDERSTAND AND KNOW associated with Him!

God, speaking through His prophet Jeremiah, stated…
“(23) Thus says the Lord: “Let not the wise man boast in his wisdom, let not the mighty man boast in his might, let not the rich man boast in his riches, (24) but LET HIM WHO BOASTS BOAST IN THIS, THAT HE UNDERSTANDS AND KNOWS ME, THAT I AM THE LORD who practices steadfast love, justice, and righteousness in the earth. For in these things I delight, declares the Lord.” ( Jeremiah 9:23-24 ESV)

There was acknowledgment here of the wisdom of the wise. That is very desirable. There was recognition of the strength of the mighty. That is very beneficial. There was also acknowledgment of the wealth of the rich man. That opens the door for much good to be done. To acknowledge what we have to offer in service to others and to benefit even our own lives is good. Such awareness helps us recognize our life truly has value. However, it is when have come to UNDERSTAND AND KNOW GOD -- being aware of His Will and His Desires -- that whatever abilities and possessions we have will be brought into their greatest usefulness for the benefit of others and to His glory and praise.

Since grade school I have had the desire to write. I began by making up short stories and then some poetry and songs. As I grew older the desire continued to grow, though the idea of becoming a preacher of the Gospel was never even a hint of a thought until my first year in college. After having developed sermon outlines for several years I considered the idea of someday publishing them to help others as I had received help from other’s outlines when I first began preaching. And though I have still not formally published any outlines I have been encouraged to find some of them have been used by others. Now I find myself not only preparing sermons and regular Bible studies for the congregation here in Port Townsend, but realizing my dream of writing on a daily basis for what has become known as “teEn-MAIL”, with a readership that continues to grow. I appreciate the many encouraging words I have received. But the reality is the only way this phase of my ministry has been able to continue is for God to bring the focuses. Without spending daily time in His Word and without His help the “well” would have run dry long ago. Now in its seventh year (to my amazement), these focuses will only continue to go out as long as it is left in the hands of God. May He be praised!

It doesn’t matter how young or old you might be, you have something to offer in service to others and to the glory of God. Such a realization should boost your esteem. You are a significant being. God created you to be such. If you struggle with knowing what your abilities or gifts might be, ask others what they see in your life. Then, as you come to UNDERSTAND AND KNOW GOD and His Will more and more, you will find the greatest usefulness for those blessings from God. To acknowledge your own giftedness is a good thing as long as it is kept in proper perspective with an abiding focus on God. You need to see your talents and allow them to be used in accordance with the purposes for which God has given them.

Whether it be wisdom, might, wealth, or whatever else with which we have been blessed, may it not be merely used for ourselves, but for God. Keeping God and His Will in the picture will help us keep our gifts in proper perspective and steer us toward our greatest usefulness to His glory and praise.

Have a great day LIVING IN THE SIGNIFICANCE GOD PROVIDES!
Carl

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